Comparison

Bark Filter vs PSA1000

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Bark Filter

This audio effect processor mimics the human ear's critical band filtering and compression. It offers a multi-band compressor with up to 27 bands for precise audio manipulation and analysis.

Highlights
  • Multi-band dynamic range compressor (up to 27 bands)
  • Variable number of compressor bands
  • Threshold, Ratio, Attack, Release, Makeup Gain controls
  • Linear phase precision filters
  • Real-time spectrum analyzer
  • AudioUnit (AUv3), Inter-app audio, and Audiobus 3 compatible
  • Low latency live usage
Features
Read full description

Bark Filter - Critical Band Analyser/Filter/Compressor The multi band filter in Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the gate where all sounds must pass through: the human ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within their respective critical band. Two tones apart more than the frequency dependant critical bandwidth are perceived as separate tones. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 very steep bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth characteristic of the human ear. In fact, the human ear have also its own built in multi band compression system which are based on the critical bands. Why the name Bark ? The Bark scale is a frequency scale on which equal distances correspond with perceptually equal distances. Above about 500 Hz this scale is more or less equal to a logarithmic frequency axis. Below 500 Hz the Bark scale becomes more and more linear. Multiband compressors can act differently on different frequency bands. The advantage of multiband compression over full-bandwidth compression is that unneeded audible gain changes or "pumping" in other frequency bands is not caused by changing signal levels in a single frequency band. Bark can act both as single band compressor and with up to 27 bands in multiband mode by linking critical bands. The linear phase filter bank with its steep filter slopes can be used for unusually pronounced filter effects too... Features: • Multi band dynamic range compressor with up to 27 bands • Variable number of compressor bands (1..27) • Threshold/Ratio Attack/Release and Makeup Gain • Linear phase precision filters for maximal transparency • Real time pre/post processing calibrated spectrum analyser • AudioUnit for AUv3 compatible hosts. • Inter-app audio compatible effect. • Audiobus 3 compatible with state saving. • Low latency live usage with mic and headphones. • Audio recorder

About

PSA1000

This audio plugin emulates a classic '90s analog guitar preamp, offering rich saturation for various instruments and mix processing. It features independent channel controls, stereo widening, and phase manipulation for modern versatility.

Highlights
  • Analog saturation emulation
  • Independent left/right channel controls
  • Dry/Wet mix knob
  • Mid/Side processing
  • Stereo widening circuit
  • Phase Reverse switch
Features
Read full description

The PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin is a modern recreation of a '90s classic analog guitar preamp which is used in recording studios all around the world! It is used and "abused" for recording and characterizing not only guitars but also electric pianos, organs, synthesizers, electric basses and many other instruments. The original unit has found its place even in the mix stage for processing all type of sounds, as drum rooms, percussions, vocals, kicks, snares and sound fx too! For creating the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin, Nembrini Audio has carefully modeled the original analog circuits and finely refined it by ear as all its products. Nembrini Audio also adds new features that brings the PSA1000 Analog Saturation Unit plugin to modern days: - Independent controls for left and right channels with individual and global links - Dry/Wet mix knob for both channels - Mid/Side operation - Spread circuit to widen the stereo field - Analog Link circuit to simulate the difference between left and right channels as in real analog world - Phase Reverse switch to take advantage of the original phase changes in the real analog unit when used in parallel - In and Out level knobs for maximum versatility Works as a standalone app, AudioUnit v3 effect, or Inter-App Audio effect

Screenshots

Bark Filter3 screens
PSA10001 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: PSA1000 at 100% against Bark Filter's 72%. PSA1000 also leads on rating (5.0 vs 4.8). Bark Filter's advantage is price ($3.99 vs $9.99) and update cadence (every 3 months vs every 9 months). On ratings volume, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Bark Filter costs $3.99 and PSA1000 $9.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

PSA1000 holds the better App Store score, 5.0 against 4.8. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 29 and 10 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 72% of Bark Filter's written reviews are positive against 100% of PSA1000's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Bark Filter ships an update every 3 months, PSA1000 every 9 months. Both last shipped on September 11, 2026.

Scorecard4 real differences · 6 level
Bark Filter versus PSA1000: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBark FilterPSA1000
Price$3.99 — better$9.99
Rating4.8 (29 ratings)5.0 (10 ratings) — better
Positive reviews72.2% of reviews100.0% of reviews — better
Number of ratings29 — better10
Update frequencyEvery 3 months — betterEvery 9 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationPaidPaid
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS12.011.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size17 MB18 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperHarry GohsNembrini Audio

Customer experience

Bark Filter

All ratings29 ratings
Positive96.6%
Neutral0.0%
Negative3.4%
Written reviews18 reviews
Positive72.2%
Neutral11.1%
Negative16.7%

PSA1000

All ratings10 ratings
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%
Written reviews9 reviews
Positive100.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative0.0%

In-app purchases

None

Bark Filter

No in-app purchases

None

PSA1000

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Bark Filter free?
Bark Filter costs $3.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is PSA1000 free?
PSA1000 costs $9.99, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Bark Filter or PSA1000?
PSA1000 is rated higher. Bark Filter averages 4.8 out of 5 from 29 ratings, while PSA1000 averages 5.0 from 10 ratings.
Do Bark Filter or PSA1000 have ads?
Neither Bark Filter nor PSA1000 shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Bark Filter or PSA1000?
Bark Filter ships an update every 3 months, and PSA1000 every 9 months. Most recently, Bark Filter was updated on September 11, 2026 and PSA1000 on September 11, 2026.

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